Full view of COAL MATRIX, 2008
Commissioned by King County Library System
Permanently installed in the Black Diamond Library
See more installation views below

COAL MATRIXBlack Diamond’s rich history is linked not only to the physical discovery of coal, but also to the network of residents who originally traveled here to form this town. The linear web of steel elements that comprise ‘COAL MATRIX’ speaks to both aspects of this unique place.

In researching the history of Black Diamond for this artwork I was intrigued to find so many visual similarities between the organic structure of coal (on a molecular level) and the intersecting pathways of those individuals and families who journeyed here from varied backgrounds and regions to establish this town. The colorful ‘buttons’ which protrude from the cut steel structures emphasize these overlapping paths in the same way a diagram of a coal molecule represents the merging of several different types of atoms.

The meandering shape of the artwork is a gentle nod to the dramatic geographical setting of Black Diamond, with its rushing river and heroic mountain so nearby. — Victoria Haven

Installation View 1

Installation View 2: Detail

Installation View 3: Detail

Black Diamond Library
King County Library System
Architect: Miller-Hull Partnership
Completed in May 2008

Commission for Seattle City Light Elevator Lobby 2008

In an attempt to map both real and imaginary space, Havenís cut steel and aluminum wall structures operate as linear systems that mirror the flow of local energy pathways as well as echoing familiar geographical features of the Northwest.